Primary small cell ('oat cell'). carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx. A clinico-pathological study of 8 cases with a review of the literature

The present paper is a clinico-pathological study of 8 cases of small cell ('oat cell') carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx investigated at the Section of Pathology of the ENT Department of Padua University during the last 14 years (from January 1966 to December 1979). Besides a review of the world literature, several problems connected with terminology, histogenesis and pathologic patterns (microscopic, histochemical and ultra-structural) are examined, together with the differential diagnosis, clinical aspects and therapeutic approach. The association of small cell carcinoma with squamous cell carcinoma both in the larynx and hypopharynx is reported. © 1981 S. Karger AG, Basel.